Workshops on Neopoet are groups that meet for a certain period of time to focus on a certain aspect of poetry. Each workshop participant is asked to critique all the other poems submitted into a workshop. A workshop leader helps coordinate -- they set the agenda, give participants feedback on whether their submissions and critique are at they level expected of them, and after the workshop is over, give feedback to participants.
To join a workshop, first find one that is of interest to you. Once you have found the right workshop (and verified that it is open -- you can find this out in the description below), you can apply to join the workshop.
Comments
c lynn brooks
Sun, 2020-08-30 15:30
workshop
I have 20 people listed but all are welcome to join I won't turn anyone away
Chrys
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Ray Whitaker
Sun, 2020-08-30 19:30
How to get on the list to participate?
Hmmm...
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Raywhitakerblog.wordpress.com
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c lynn brooks
Sun, 2020-08-30 20:51
Ray
I will be happy to add you
Chrys
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scribbler
Sun, 2020-08-30 20:28
please
count me in
c lynn brooks
Sun, 2020-08-30 20:54
Stan
ok
Chrys
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Gracy
Sat, 2020-09-05 14:33
Hi, can you put me on the
Hi, can you put me on the list?
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"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies; fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die, I can fly, my friends.” – Freddie Mercury
c lynn brooks
Sat, 2020-09-05 14:49
Gracy
have added you thanks for joining us
Chrys
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c lynn brooks
Thu, 2020-09-10 17:48
here we go and welcome
Far be it that I should tell anyone how to critique
however I can offer a few suggestions
1- critique do not criticize
2-check spelling I am one for misspelling of words
3- remember you may be proficient in your writing but there are those that are just getting started
4- abide by their requests example being "I want the raw truth" etc do not give a blow by blow critique if not asked for such as " take care this is a sensitive subject"
5-suggest do not demand , there are times when a person will refuse to take you up on your suggestions, so be it
I once had a person re write an entire poem of mine because they
did not like the wording this is not a critique as it were there was a copywrite on said poem
6- suppose you have a poem where there are no errors or suggestions what then? well tell them you liked their poem but also remark about the style, wording ,find a phrase or sentence that you were drawn to
7-if there are no errors or suggestion what then? well tell them gently then tell them why you did not care for their work point out either words or sentences or any uncomfortable feeling you may have had
8- remember this site is a workshop not a mutual admiration society ,no back slapping, atta boy we are here to help. improve etc
I welcome an open discussion about this ,suggestions , additions , etc this will be open for one week at which time either Gee or I will assign a poem for you to review
leave your comments on the poem then return here for further discussion on
how you felt about the pom
how you felt about leaving a comment
the group will also view your review and comment on it this will be done in the WORKSHOP and not the stream
If we run past the twenty one days that will be alright as well
Chrys
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scribbler
Thu, 2020-09-10 20:18
Hi everybody
Critique has somehow gotten a bad reputation. too many people think it can only be a negative comment on a poem (which it often is lol) but it can also be a positive thing. If you run up on a poem there is Nothing wrong with pointing out something specifically good that you might have found in it. Something that you maybe think is particularly beautiful and Why you think this is so.
In a previous shop we discussed something call a "sandwich" critique. this type starts with a first layer of praise for the poem. this shows the poet that you are taking his/her poem seriously. Next comes the middle or "meat" of the critique where you point out something that you think needs work. then the last layer where you once again point out something good or maybe leave with a phrase such as "I know you can redo this better than I ever could.
This sandwich type is especially useful with people new to writing or this site as it gently shows exactly where improvement is needed( this won't work on ME because I need improvement Everywhere lol) While also showing the writer that you have put thought into his/her poem....stan
Teddy15
Fri, 2020-09-11 12:09
Dear all
of course my worst fear is offending so i tend to sometimes pass stuff by that perhaps i shouldn't. thats what i would like to learn some confidence, to help. Also i would like to point out that i've been here much longer than is written on my home page, I have been here when we have had some really tough critics, so i guess i have learned that it's the way you say it too. sometimes there have been critics that have made my computer shake, and have indeed sent me away, because maybe i thought they were unkind? I just know that looking back even the harshness helped my plight. Then there are those who have managed to speak with encorouging words without offending so i guess we can learn to give and take.
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Fri, 2020-09-11 12:59
Teddy
First off remember we are a workshop siteand hopefully people will be receptive to a critique don't shy away for fear of offending someone in my opinion if they become offended then they really didn't want to hear anything except "OH WHAT A GREAT POEM YOU WROTE" even though it might need a lot of work
Just keep it in mind before you start your critique look at tghe intensity they have checked off , if none then treat it as raw truth you are going ti find that some folks will over use the "be gentle this has special meanin g" just to avoid being reviewed harshly
if you follow them you will find all of their poems are sensitive
they are not serious about their work either
there is a diplomatic way of saying anything in a critique
Chrys
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Teddy15
Fri, 2020-09-11 13:14
Dear Chrys
Thanks for your words they are meaningful to all of us. I'm so glad you understood what I was saying, I know sometimes I don't express myself so well. This is a learning site and having critics is vital to keeping it here, neopoet for me is my first and only home. If I can help someone bring a poem to its full potential I would feel proud I would also be thrilled as I have been many times to have people tell me the truth about my work, sometimes like everyone I get it right and sometimes I get it wrong.
The key is to want to learn and to listen
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Fri, 2020-09-11 15:44
teddy
and that right there is why we are here isn't it
you will be getting the links to poems we(gee and I) would like you to review as per the current conversation you will go ahead and post your comments to the author but here on the workshop link we will discuss the poem and your review of it
good luck darlin either I or Gee will send the links right here in the workshop be sure to ck the box that asks if it is a workshop critique
Chrys
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Teddy15
Fri, 2020-09-11 15:49
Ok
Darling, I will be here waiting.
Thank you...Teddy
Geezer
Fri, 2020-09-11 17:55
And away we go...
I guess that I have nothing to add; Chrys and Teddy have said it all. The only thing I will say, is that I hope this workshop will be useful to you all. ~ Geezer.
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Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
c lynn brooks
Sat, 2020-09-12 08:47
teddy
here you are try this one remember what we have discussed
live shrey a comment then come back here make sure you ck the box that says workshop critique
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/she-doesnt-recognize-me
Chrys
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Teddy15
Sat, 2020-09-12 09:44
Dear Chrys
done.
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Sat, 2020-09-12 16:19
teddy
that was perfect now how did you feel about putting yourself out there? Did it make you uncomfortable
I must admit I was the first one to critique him on his very first poem I went line by line blow by blow
he is one ot those that post yet does no respond hang on I guess I must apologize for giving you a problem but as I see it you came through with flying colors will give you another in a minute
Chrys
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Teddy15
Sat, 2020-09-12 17:58
Dear chrys
I enjoyed writing a review, however I was a bit worried that it may offend.im pleased I passed this first test. I see he doesn't respond, if he did we could have some idea of the reasoning. No matter, I enjoyed "helping"
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Sun, 2020-09-13 14:18
offending
I wouldn't worry about it , people post their work so it is there for a review /help/etc
remember this is a workshop not a just another place to get a pat on the back
Chrys
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c lynn brooks
Sat, 2020-09-12 16:24
teddy
here ya go try this one https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/getting-my-undesirable-visitor-ot...
we know and love Jerry's poetry so this one may get a bit more difficult because he is a friend ok forget the friend and look at the poem for what it is do not let your feelings get in the way
good like darlin
Chrys
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Teddy15
Sat, 2020-09-12 18:08
Dear Chrys
Yes I guess writing an actual review for one of the greats is a bit harder for me. I guess I could use the word intimidating. But leaving a review doesn't have to be negative and that's what I have just learnt.
Thank you...Teddy
Teddy15
Sat, 2020-09-12 18:08
Dear Chrys
Yes I guess writing an actual review for one of the greats is a bit harder for me. I guess I could use the word intimidating. But leaving a review doesn't have to be negative and that's what I have just learnt.
I looked at the questions the poet wanted answered.
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Sun, 2020-09-13 14:23
intimidating?
there is no reason to feel this way no one is greater than the other. we all have different styles of writing
a smart man(Lon) once told me we are eaual the exception is we have different styles of writing, this was in answer to me saying he writes so much better than I
I gave you that last poem because I just knew you would feel the way you do and wanted tyo see how you handled it
Chrys
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Teddy15
Sun, 2020-09-13 14:54
Dear Chrys
You make great points, actual when Lonnie gave his reviews he was one of the kindest and that's what worked for me. X
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Sun, 2020-09-13 14:32
teddy
next up https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/winter-morn-epitaph
we have to get you through that feeling of intimidation Alan is excellent
don't hold back because he is outstanding
you won't find error so find something else
a line or a word you can pull from his work that struck you
your review of Jerry's poem wasn't to bad I would have expected to see more in the way of as I have stated above
pull something out of the poem that struck you and elaborate on that
give Alan's a shot and see where it goes I have not been posting or doing any reviews trying not to use my hand to much
Chrys
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Teddy15
Sun, 2020-09-13 15:33
Dear Chrys
done! i feel very comfortable, i am grateful for this chance to learn more, i hope i can become a better reviewer and i hope to be remembered for my thoughtful reviews. it's weird taking more time than i usually would to write, but that's just normal life issues i am not here 24/7 like all. I guess what i have learnt even today, is to take my time even if i only get to review one poem it's enough, quality not quantity. Thank you...
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Mon, 2020-09-14 07:12
teddy
that is the idea you do not have to harsh to be a good reviewer, in fact more people are more receptive to a gentle review just be complete and concise you up for another one ?
Chrys
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Teddy15
Mon, 2020-09-14 07:40
Dear Chrys
Always
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Mon, 2020-09-14 14:13
teddy
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/dirge-undulating-hill-tribute-rob...
give this one a try he is a very complicated writer in that there is a difference in language
dilect wording etc
Chrys
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Teddy15
Mon, 2020-09-14 15:24
Dear Chrys
im a bit of a fan of him, I enjoyed writing my review.
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Wed, 2020-09-16 12:15
teddy
nice job on that review
now then
let's see what I can find for you to hone your skills on
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/lunar-linings
I just read it and find it masked by fancy writing where is the meaning what is the meaning perhaps you will find something in it
Chrys
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Geezer
Thu, 2020-09-17 08:33
I found...
this one to be very interesting and felt the same as Teddy about it. I missed the reference to the moon and would change my opinion to match Teddy's; that it might be about a werewolf, rather than a vampire. Nice review Teddy. ~ Geez.
Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
Teddy15
Thu, 2020-09-17 09:01
Dear Geezer
Such an interesting write, I actually imagined this to be even about
bi-polar I'm not an expert but just something within just made me think about the transition from darkness to light at least once a month or vice versa. Hey I thought you were good it can still be about vampires so go with your heart. It's great to learn right, and we never stop I hope she lets us in on it, it would be great to know more.
Now throughout my reviews I have t put any in workshop box when writing them. I hope that is ok, sorry I didn't even think to ask.
Thank you...Teddy
Teddy15
Wed, 2020-09-16 13:06
Dear Chrys
Done, my friend, that was a hard one for me. But I really enjoyed.
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Wed, 2020-09-16 17:36
Teddy
why did you find it difficult
I for one did not like itI felt it was too obscure in it's language and very difficult to get the concept
Chrys
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c lynn brooks
Wed, 2020-09-16 17:56
teddy
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/stir-crazy-critique-workshop
there ya go
Chrys
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Teddy15
Thu, 2020-09-17 02:58
Dear Chys
done.
Thank you...Teddy
c lynn brooks
Thu, 2020-09-17 12:03
Teddy
have read all I am going to let Gee take the reins for a few days
Chrys
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Teddy15
Thu, 2020-09-17 12:08
Dear Chrys
Tale care, you'll be missed and we will wait your return. Good I get a rest now. lol. Hey gee if I can help with anything PM me look forward to reading some reviews from the other participants
Thank you...Teddy
Geezer
Thu, 2020-09-17 15:22
Yeah, I would...
love to see some reviews by the others that are supposed to be particpating in this workshop. Chrys says to keep you busy. I will find a couple of poems for you to critique. I will post a title for you tonight. ~ Geez.
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Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
Teddy15
Thu, 2020-09-17 15:49
Lol
hey ho, no rest for the wicked, don't rush my darling Geezer. I'm having a rest.
Thank you...Teddy
Geezer
Thu, 2020-09-17 21:10
Yes...
Take the next couple of days and find a poem by Esker, or even one of his comments in reply to critique or comment.
[He wrote many replies to critique and comment as another poem]. Take your time and tell me what you think of it. Give the opinion as though you were reading a poem by him. Try not to let the comments by others to influence you and say what YOU think. ~ Geez.
.
Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
Teddy15
Fri, 2020-09-18 06:15
Dear Geezer
In consideration that Esker is no longer with us, may i ask out of a deep respect to him, that i pass on writing a review. I have had many wonderful encounters with Esker in the past, and considering i know he would have loved to reply to my critique, i would wish to pass, he was an incredible poet and it certainly makes me sad to see so much of his work on the first page of the non read poetry. His poetry was unique and really hard to judge, simply because he was a true artist.
My friendship with esker was mainly writing what i saw in his poems, we had a great friendship. Please accept my apoligies, but if you want to push my boundaries, i'm happy for you to choose any other poet/poetess, that are actually here, i've noticed people don't reply to my words, on the workshop. Thank you Sir, i know you will understand. Sorry to upset the workshop.
Thank you...Teddy
Geezer
Fri, 2020-09-18 09:57
Not a problem...
I understand. How about you choose to critique someone on your own? Give an in depth review of anyone you wish. Perhaps me; as I am here to answer to your review? Choose anything you like and I will be happy to answer any questions about why I wrote what I did. Be brave and ask anything and challenge me. You won't be disappointed. ~Gee.
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Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
Gracy
Mon, 2020-09-21 14:51
Hi Geez, I've finally arrived
Hi Geez, I've finally arrived here and read all the comments and suggestions. You may give me a poem to critique, I may not do it at once, but I'm happy to join in.
Best, Gracy
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"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies; fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die, I can fly, my friends.” – Freddie Mercury
Geezer
Mon, 2020-09-21 22:39
Seeing how...
I am here and looking over my old stuff, I thought that maybe you would like to critique this old one for me and I can tell you exactly why I wrote what I did after you do. The name of the poem is [In Sight]. Sorry I don't have an URL for it, but you can find it on the fifth page of my works about halfway down. Take your time, ~ Geez.
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Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
Alan S Jeeves
Tue, 2020-09-22 04:27
May I have a pop at this fine poem Gee?
A thoughtful and well presented piece I think.
Your title is fine (although I may have dropped the space and used Insight ???).
Nothing to say about the rhythm etc. it is ok.
The theme you have chosen is one which we (older ones) encounter at some time or other ~ very apt.
Beginning: Doors open and you walk into the poem ~ good.
Ending: That really can't be me (of course not) ~ great finale.
In stanza 5, L. 2 It may be useful to make the line into a perfect eight by adding one syllabubble, say:-
'I am someone you want to know.'
Also (but I'm not sure about ~ need to think about it) in your ultimate stanza I wonder that you could use:-
'All I see, is the deep, dark horror' (Mirror = Horror ???)
I was pleased to read this piece so thanks for pointing me in that direction Geezer.
www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/sight
Cheerio old boy, I'll see you soon.
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Critique is a compliment
Kind regards, Alan
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Geezer
Tue, 2020-09-22 22:23
Thank you Alan...
No, I don't mind at all. as a matter of fact, I'm glad that you want to give me a good critique on this one, it is old, but one that I have not had many comments on, I will look over the critique and edit in the morning. Thanks again, ~ Geez.
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Announcing the new chatroom! I will be hosting a chatroom on Saturday nights
from 8pm until 9pm [EST] this coming Saturday. Stop in and
shoot the breeze with the Geez. Our Chatroom is open 24/7
.
Gracy
Tue, 2020-09-22 10:50
OK, Gee, I'll look for it now
OK, Gee, I'll look for it now.
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"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies; fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die, I can fly, my friends.” – Freddie Mercury
c lynn brooks
Mon, 2021-02-01 17:27
all
Please note this workshop has been completed for some time now
Chrys
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